Pan Fry Tilapia with Pesto Cream Sauce Recipe
This Pan Fry Tilapia with Pesto Cream Sauce recipe features tender tilapia fillets pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with a rich, creamy pesto sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tilapia
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package Sea Cuisine Smart Indulgence Roasted Garlic and Herb Tilapia (frozen)
For the Pesto Cream Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1 teaspoon cornstarch)
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat (or medium if your stove runs hot) in a nonstick skillet to prepare for cooking the tilapia fillets.
- Cook the tilapia: Place the frozen tilapia fillets in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 10 to 11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fillets are golden brown on the outside and reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Transfer cooked fillets to a plate.
- Prepare the sauce base: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream and pesto to the skillet that was used for the tilapia. This allows the pan flavors to enrich the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk the low sodium chicken broth together with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until smooth, then add this mixture into the skillet with the cream and pesto. Stir frequently as the sauce simmers until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon each), adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the skillet and spoon the pesto cream sauce over them. Serve the dish warm over your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk and 1 teaspoon cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
- Make sure to cook the tilapia to an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s creamy texture and warm fish.
- This dish pairs well with side vegetables like steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: tilapia, pan fried fish, pesto cream sauce, quick seafood recipe, easy dinner
